cvac poised for success in dubai

OVARIAN cancer drug developer Prima BioMed is expected to announce today it has won provisional approval to market and distribute CVac in Dubai by the end of this year.

Fresh from raising $38 million last week for the development of the drug, Prima BioMed is understood to have won approval for the vaccine at Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), Dubai's largest medical centre. First sales at DHCC -- a hub for medical care in the Middle East -- are expected before the end of next year.

CVac is administered after surgery and chemotherapy to treat ovarian cancer sufferers.

Prima BioMed is tipped to appoint Hind al-Saadi as general manager of its Middle East operations to lead the commercialisation of CVac in the region.

Ms al-Saadi, a pharmacist, has almost 20 years experience in marketing, sales, distribution and regulatory affairs with majors including Baxter Healthcare, Global Pharma and the Centre for Healthcare Planning and Quality in Dubai.

Prima BioMed values the Middle East cancer therapy market at $US517m ($483m).

It has signed a a memorandum of understanding laying out the terms for CVac to be available in DHCC through Prima's partnership with the City Hospital, a multidisciplinary hospital in DHCC.

The company is also seeking approval in the US, Europe and Australia.

Shares in Prima BioMed yesterday closed flat at 30.5c



http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/biotechs-cancer-drug-poised-for-success-in-dubai/story-e6frg8zx-1226065961984